Prof (Dr.) N N Sharma is the Pro-President at Manipal University, Jaipur. He has completed his B.E. (Mechanical), M.E. (Mechanical), and has a Ph.D. from BITS, Pilani. He regularly collaborates with senior scientists in MEMS and Nanotechnology area at CEERI, Pilani, IISc Bangalore, and IIT Bombay. Currently, he is working in Interdisciplinary areas of MEMS and Nanotechnology. He has 3 patents & over 100 technical papers to his credit. He has done 10 funded projects from nodal agencies like DBT, UGC, CSIR-CEERI, NPMASS, etc. He is Guest Editor, Journal of Bionanoscience (Springer), Associate Editor of International Journal of Smart Sensors and Intelligent Systems.

Manipal University

What is your philosophy of leadership and its unbiased implementation?

“In my opinion, A Boss is feared, whereas a leader is loved and respected”

At Manipal University Jaipur, being at the leadership position of pro-president I also try to create an eco-system that allows everyone to maintain their creativity. I never indulge in micromanagement. Creating obstructions in working methods leads to a top-down approach, which is not a healthy style of leadership. 

What can an inbound student gain from studying here at your university? 

“Learn in a motivating environment with a focus on social, cultural & value-based education”

Manipal University Jaipur is a multi-disciplinary university where the pan-India population participates to study, grow, and make successful higher careers altogether. Courses like Value Education, Legal Aid, General English, Environmental Studies, YOGA, etc sensitize students to their obligations towards society. These courses develop magnanimity and commitment amongst students thereby contributing towards the development of a well-rounded personality. 

Also, mandatory industrial training ensures that students are exposed to contemporary industrial trends, innovations, implementation of big data, and AI in everyday industrial activity. 

How do you build a positive culture or climate among the students? 

“Students organize, and grow together during different technical, cultural, & sports events”

The campus environment helps students to think out-of-the-box and unwind the hidden talent. We have technical and cultural fest/activities that bring students from different streams to one platform to furnish their capabilities and potentials. We have the Directorate of Student Welfare that provides 360-degree support to students in extracurricular activities. MUJ has student chapters and student clubs including an active IAESTE chapter. This helps students to come together and work in teams. The whole environment provides a positive culture among students. 

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How do you plan for the marketing and administration of your university? 

“Growth of the university depends on research, innovation and societal connect programs”

The best marketing plan is to promote research and do innovative activities that help society to grow in an expanding direction. Self-development in this direction helps in the promotion and marketing of the University. 

What would you like people to know about your university they may not know? 

“MUJ has established itself as an excellent leader in academics and research in a swift duration of 9 years”

We achieved this by bringing in talented faculty and staff from various reputed universities. Here, we nurture the spirit of digitalization and foster the essence of better technology-driven civic senses. We believe in the upliftment of not only academics but also in sustainable community leading. Manipal University Jaipur has always delivered what it has committed which can be revered through our academic and research program execution. 

What do you think your responsibilities to the university and the students are?

“To create that ecosystem where students can research with innovative & creative activities”

I think universities are always known as knowledge creators rather than simple knowledge disseminators. This is more so relevant in contemporary times because almost all knowledge is digitally available and so the knowledge dissemination job of universities is fast being taken up by digital media. This leaves options for universities to do more research, reveal more of nature mystery, innovate for societal benefit, and better human lives. 

What suggestions would you like to give to the aspiring youth of the current age?

“To make good use of this time and focus on skill enhancement via online education”

In my opinion, challenges remind us that we are stronger and more capable than we think of ourselves. Students can also take advantage of the pandemic situation by involving themselves more in online education and learning. 

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What are some of the biggest challenges for higher education?

“The contemporary education system needs a different academic approach, focused on research”

Certain key elements are driving higher education today and one of them is research. At present, the research in India is carried out in specific research institutes and the participation of the student is minimal. Taking one step ahead the University has designed its postgraduate programs which are an exemplar of research-academia integration, evidence-based practice, and innovation.

In such a highly competitive world, how do you guide students to thrive?

“Students should actively work on skill enhancement and problem-solving aptitude”

My advice to students is to be focused in one direction and dig deep into it. We have highly qualified and experienced faculty members, and students should collaborate with them and work on research projects. 

The research activities across the University are facilitated through state-of-the-art innovation centers and inter-disciplinary labs. The personal and professional development programs are meticulously planned and implemented for students and faculty.